The Diocesan Dialogue
Current Issue
April 2008
Grace Church – St. George
“Knowing Christ and making Christ known”
Grace of St. George is designed to reflect the history and environment
of southern Utah. The striking tower stands over a growing Washington
County.
The Rev. Catherine Gregg says Grace Church is a center for spiritual
formation. The church frequently conducts courses to deepen these reflections.
The Rector says Grace church houses the best theological library in
the St. George area.
Grace is also a place of fellowship. There are
church events every night, often in homes in different areas of St.
George, where parishioners can learn, pray, and share with friends
and neighbors. The church features an active lay ministry with group
leaders and active participation in outreach.
 Parishioners
waiting for the service to begin can reflect and pray in an open and
airy setting. There is a real feeling that one is part of the beauty
of the desert.
Visitors to Grace Church
are often moved by the feeling of being part of the southern Utah environment
in the church. Gregg says the church has "just enough structure
to protect people from the elements."
The church is mostly glass
adorning mission style architecture. Unlike most churches, the building
is wider than it is tall and opens onto patios and gardens in the mild
climate. The church is converting the landscape into a xeriscape setting.
The people of Grace have embraced a green ministry. The warm desert
environment, crowned by the rock formations of Zion National Park,
is a natural treasure. Catherine Gregg reminds people Zion means statuary
and the land must be protected. The church would like to someday hold
Eucharist services in the park area as part of its outreach and thanksgiving
for the surroundings.
St. George is one of the fastest growing cites
in America. The church sees great opportunity for growth. The clergy
invite all to come and explore Grace, and to ask "deep questions."
Parishioners are reminded to invite people they meet on golf courses,
in business settings, and at Dixie State College—all places where
newcomers can be found. The church also participates in citywide stations
of the cross on Good Friday and community Thanksgiving services.
The clergy invites all to come and explore Grace, and to ask "deep
questions."
It's
also a great place to spend a Sunday morning when Episcopalians from
the cold north take a late winter vacation in Southern Utah!
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